Global Scans · UK · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Achieving Brexit will dominate the UK's agenda up to and beyond 2020 with uncertainty rife until clear decisions are made on the form of Great Britain's future relationship with the EU and the rest of the world.

• [New] In the medium term, the UK will need a bespoke deal, probably closer to Switzerland than to Norway, since Britain is unlikely to accept EU rules wholesale in services sectors where it has a comparative advantage, from the City of London to technology and AI. Centre for European Reform
• [New] Britain has rejoined the Erasmus exchange programme, and will probably agree deals soon on youth exchange, emissions trading systems and veterinary standards. Centre for European Reform
• [New] A Met Office study highlights how UK heatwaves could become longer and hotter due to escalating climate trends, with an estimated 50-50 chance of seeing 40 °C again in the UK in the next 12 years. Met Office
• [New] Improving the productivity and growth of the UK economy will require years of work and will need policy clarity and political skill, at a time when attention spans are very short. EdenTree
• [New] For campaigns directed at UK consumers, the FCA's cryptoasset financial-promotion rules include the overarching requirement that promotions be fair, clear, and not misleading, along with measures such as risk warnings and other consumer protections. TechBullion
• [New] UK adults could enjoy 10 extra years of longevity by switching to a diet higher in whole grains, nuts, and fruits, and lower in sugar-sweetened beverages and processed meats, for instance. HuffPost UK
• [New] England faces a potential water-supply shortfall of more than 5bn liters a day by the mid-2050s. The Guardian
• [New] In the UK, where the threat of fires is more present in grass than in forests, blazes have broken out from cities to national parks this month after a scorchingly hot start to summer. The Guardian
• [New] High industrial energy costs are creating a direct threat to UK manufacturing investment and capacity. Stock Market Update
• [New] From the early 2030s Britain will replace its six ageing destroyer warships with at least six hybrid vessels that will mix crewed and uncrewed capabilities. BSS
• [New] Europe's biggest economies, by comparison, barely move between now and 2030: Germany and Spain rise from 34% to 36%, France from 33% to 35%, the UK from 30% to 32%, and Italy from 27% to 29%. theregister
• [New] London's average 5G speed lags behind the rest of the UK, with dense, built-up areas often blocking bandwidth; do not expect to tether your Portal to your phone on your commute any time soon. City AM
• [New] By 2029, the likely year of the next general election, Labour risks finding itself out of step with British voters, more and more of whom want the economic, social, and cultural benefits of EU membership. The Christian Science Monitor
• [New] UK automotive production is forecast to return to growth in 2026, with output expected to expand by 3.5% following a sharp decline of 11.1% last year. atradius
• [New] The UK government is preparing to launch a social media ban for under-16s early 2027, which will increase scrutiny of the methods tech companies use for verifying users' ages. The Guardian
• [New] Over the next 3 years, the UK will spend £6 billion of ODA as International Climate Finance. GOV.UK
• [New] Progress includes the opening of Britain's first commercial rare earth magnet plant in over 25 years, where minerals will be extracted from recycled materials. Emperor
• [New] UK guidance expects planning to begin now, making 2026 the year preparation shifts from optional to essential. Exposed Magazine
• [New] Climate change is expected to bring more severe winter rainfall and flooding in the UK, but hotter and drier summers are projected to bring more severe droughts in the future. BBC News
• [New] The UK committed £1.25 billion (2026-2030) to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which will save up to 8 million lives. GOV.UK
• [New] A public health AI system will be deployed globally (US, EU, UK). Bryan Tegomoh

Last updated: 21 July 2026